Sunday, February 25, 2007
Choosing a Name
When my son told me that he and his wife were expecting their first child, my first grandchild, my reaction was probably a little atypical and self-centered. I was excited for them, and glad that they would be able to experience the joy of parenthood. But, on the other hand, it took some adjusting to think of myself as being a grandmother. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of being called Grandma, Granny, or Grams, and entering what I perceived as being the “purple hair and strong perfume” zone. I immediately began agonizing over a suitable, younger-sounding, fun name that I could have my grandchildren call me.
The task has been unusually lengthy and daunting. My friends have tried to help. How about Nana, they suggest. It’s OK, but not really unique. I’ve thought of variations, like Nanu (sounds like a killer whale, or Mork’s alien greeting) or Nano (more hip and up-to-date). One woman told me her grandkids call her “Happy”. I’m not sure I could live up to that 100% of the time.
Of course I’ve considered foreign language equivalents. Two of my sons have lived in
In a humorous “Seinfeld” episode a few years ago, Elaine received phone calls from a young boy who thought she was his grandmother, and addressed her as “Gammy”. So Gammy Cyppy is one of my possibilities. Or just plain Cyppy. Hmmm….GC? CC? I could go on extrapolating.

One grandmother I spoke to is called Gargy, and who knows where her grandson got that! Another grandmother was called GrandmaMolly (even though her name is Gwen) because she had a dog named Molly. I have skeptical feelings about “Pickles” even if it is the dog that is the namesake for my beloved sport. In the end, I’m sure I’ll be called what my grandchildren want to call me, no matter how much I try to influence them. And whatever The Little Princess calls me will sound just right.
Now, what will Robert be called?
Just a thought.....cheers!
dr
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